System and method for improving the performance and lowering the cost of atmospheric carbon dioxide removal by direct air capture

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for an atmospheric carbon dioxide removal system that includes a plurality of carbon capture containers, a plurality of fans, an air diverter, and a velocity stack. Each of the carbon capture containers has an outwardly facing side and an inwardly facing side with the inwardly facing side facing an enclosed space. The fans are disposed adjacent to the carbon capture containers. The fans are arranged to move air through the carbon capture containers in a first direction from the outwardly facing side into the enclosed space. The air diverter is disposed within the enclosed space and receives the air flowing in the first direction and redirects the air to flow in a second direction that is angled upwardly from the first direction. The velocity stack is disposed on top of the enclosed space and is configured to accelerate the flow of the air in the second direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO APPLICATIONS

This application relates to corresponding U.S. application Ser. No.17/345,753, filed on Jun. 11, 2021, titled System and Method forImproving the Performance and Lowering the Cost of Atmospheric CarbonDioxide Removal by Direct Air Capture and U.S. application Ser. No.17/345,851, filed on Jun. 11, 2021, titled System and Method forImproving the Performance and Lowering the Cost of Atmospheric CarbonDioxide Removal by Direct Air Capture, both of which are incorporated byreference herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods forremoving carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and in particular tosystems and methods for optimizing the advection of carbon dioxide fromthe atmosphere, systems and methods for optimizing the contact andcapture of carbon dioxide by a sorbent, and systems and methods foroptimizing sorbent regeneration and removal of carbon dioxide therefromfor utilization or sequestration.

BACKGROUND

Recent developments have focused attention on achieving a goal of netzero emissions where globally no more carbon is emitted into theatmosphere that what is removed. There is currently no feasible way toavoid using the carbon emitting fuels that are required to sustainpresent living standards.

Systems and methods are being implemented around the world to remove thecarbon dioxide from the atmosphere in an effort to achieve the goal ofnet zero emissions. Current systems and methods are costly both in termsof money and resources required, such as land and energy. Additionally,the current state of the art systems do not remove carbon dioxide fromthe atmosphere in large enough quantities to make a significant impactwhen compared to legacy emissions and the overall amount of carbondioxide being emitted each year.

To reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and achieve thegoal of net zero emissions, technological innovation is needed to drivedown the cost of atmospheric carbon dioxide removal.

SUMMARY

In an example aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a direct aircapture structure for removing atmospheric carbon dioxide that hasimproved performance and lower cost than existing atmospheric carbondioxide removal structures. In some example implementations, thestructure may include a sorbent media filled cylinder, a fan for blowingair through the cylinder and over the sorbent media, and a regenerationstation for removing carbon dioxide from the sorbent media.

In an aspect, the direct air capture structure may include stacks ofsorbent media filled cylinders arranged in an almost circular manner. Inan aspect, multiple fans may be placed on the exterior of the circle ofsorbent media filled cylinder stacks. In an aspect, the fans may blowair from the exterior of the structure, through the cylinders, over thesorbent media, and into the interior of the direct air capturestructure. In this manner, the sorbent media may collect carbon dioxidefrom bulk air flow advection through the cylinder. In an aspect, one ormore regeneration stations may be positioned around the exterior of thedirect air capture structure. Each regeneration station may lock onto acylinder and remove the collected carbon dioxide from the sorbent media.In an aspect, the direct air capture structure may rotate, therebymoving the sorbent media filled cylinder stacks from a state of carboncollection, where the fans blow air through the cylinders, to a state ofcarbon release, were the regeneration station removes the collectedcarbon from the sorbent media.

In an aspect, an air shifting structure may be erected inside the directair capture structure to direct the flow of air up and out of the directair capture structure. In an aspect, the air shifting structure mayinclude a fabric material arranged in a manner to direct the flow of airaway from the sides of the structure and out of the open top of thestructure.

In an aspect, a roof structure may be placed on top of the direct aircapture structure to accelerate the flow of air out of the direct aircapture structure. In an aspect, the roof structure may be wider at thebottom than at the top, having a larger opening at the bottom than atthe top. In an aspect, the walls of the roof structure may slope inwardand upward from the exterior walls of the direct air capture structure.In an aspect, the roof structure is suitable for accelerating the flowof air from within the structure upward and away from the structure.

In an aspect, the regeneration station may form a seal around a sorbentmedia containing cylinder. In an aspect, the regeneration station maypull a vacuum within the cylinder to remove air from the sorbent mediacontaining cylinder. In an aspect, the regeneration station may fill andflush the cylinder with water to displace any residual air from thesorbent media containing cylinder. In an aspect, the regenerationstation may heat the cylinder to promote the release of carbon dioxidefrom the sorbent media containing cylinder. In an aspect, theregeneration station may pull a vacuum within the cylinder to furtherpromote the release of carbon dioxide from the sorbent media containingcylinder and to cool it. In an aspect, the regeneration station may filland pressurize the cylinder with a cold water to further promote therelease of carbon dioxide from the sorbent media containing cylinder. Inan aspect, the regeneration station may mechanically vibrate thecylinder to promote the release of carbon dioxide from the sorbent mediacontaining cylinder into the cold water. The regeneration station maythen capture the carbon dioxide for transport by pipes to thecentralized balance of plant for disposal or utilization.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following drawings and detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory in nature and are intended to provide an understanding ofthe present disclosure without limiting the scope of the presentdisclosure. In that regard, additional aspects, features, and advantagesof the present disclosure will be apparent to one skilled in the artfrom the following. One or more features of any embodiment or aspect maybe combinable with one or more features of other embodiment or aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the systems,devices, and methods disclosed herein and together with the description,explain the principles of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1A-1D are perspective, side, and top-down illustrations ofmaterial structural components of an atmospheric carbon dioxide removalstructure, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2-6 are perspective illustrations of portions of an exemplary hoopstructure of an atmospheric carbon dioxide removal structure, accordingto some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7-8 are perspective illustrations of an exemplary diverter of anatmospheric carbon dioxide removal structure, according to someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective illustration of an exemplary velocity stack ofan atmospheric carbon dioxide removal structure, according to someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a partial sectional view of an exemplaryvelocity stack of an atmospheric carbon dioxide removal structure,according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 11A-11D and 12 are perspective illustrations of an exemplarycarbon capture media cylinder of an atmospheric carbon dioxide removalstructure, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective illustration of an exemplary fan panel of anatmospheric carbon dioxide removal structure, according to someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 14A-14C and 15-17 are perspective and top-down illustrations of anexemplary regeneration structure of an atmospheric carbon dioxideremoval structure, according to some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 18A-18B are perspective illustrations of exemplary configurationsfor operating two atmospheric carbon dioxide removal structures,according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 19A-19B are flow diagrams of exemplary methods for regeneratingthe sorbent media within the atmospheric carbon dioxide removalstructure, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 20A-20B are perspective illustrations of exemplary carbon dioxidesensor locations within an atmospheric carbon dioxide removal structure,according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For promoting an understanding of the principles of the presentdisclosure, reference will now be made to the implementationsillustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used todescribe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation ofthe scope of the disclosure is intended. Any alterations and furthermodifications to the described devices, instruments, methods, and anyfurther application of the principles of the present disclosure arefully contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art towhich the disclosure relates. In addition, this disclosure describessome elements or features in detail with respect to one or moreimplementations or Figures, when those same elements or features appearin subsequent Figures, without such a high level of detail. It is fullycontemplated that the features, components, and/or steps described withrespect to one or more implementations or Figures may be combined withthe features, components, and/or steps described with respect to otherimplementations or Figures of the present disclosure. For simplicity, insome instances the same or similar reference numbers are used throughoutthe drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

The Direct Air Capture Structure

The Direct Air Capture Structure

FIGS. 1A-1D depict perspective, side view, and top down illustrations,respectively, of an atmospheric carbon dioxide removal direct aircapture (DAC) structure 100 according to some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 1C shows a perspective illustration of only somecomponents of the DAC structure 100. The DAC structure 100 includes alower structure 102 and a roof structure 104. The lower structure 102includes a hoop structure 108, and an exterior support structure 110best shown in hidden lines in FIG. 1D. In some embodiments, an interiorsupport structure 106 may be part of lower structure 102. The hoopstructure 108 shown in FIG. 1C supports one or more square cells 112that each includes a carbon capture cylinder 114 that holds a sorbentmaterial. One or more fan panel 116 is secured to the exterior supportstructure 110. Each fan panel 116 may include a bottom fan 118A and atop fan 118B. A regeneration station 120, including one or moreregeneration structures 122, is also secured to the exterior supportstructure 110. The roof structure 104 has an opening 104A on top toallow air to flow out of the top of the DAC structure 100. In someembodiments, the roof structure 104 may be a velocity stack 124. In someembodiments, an air diverter 126 (also referred to as a hex shifter) islocated inside the lower structure 102. The air diverter 126 mayredirect the air flowing into the DAC structure 100 upward and out theopening in the roof structure 104.

The exterior support structure 110 is shown in this exampleimplementation as a multi-sided polygon having sides 128. Each side 128of the exterior support structure 110 includes either a fan panel 116 ora portion of the regeneration station 120. In the depicted embodiment,the exterior support structure 110 has twelve sides 128 having ten fanpanels 116 occupying ten of the sides 128 and the regeneration station120 occupying two of the sides 128. Therefore, fan panels 116 occupyabout ⅚ of the exterior of the DAC structure 100 and the regenerationstation 120 occupies about ⅙ of the exterior of the DAC structure 100.Although the exterior support structure 110 may have more than twelvesides 128 or fewer than twelve sides 128, twelve sides 128 will be usedin the discussion below for the sake of clarity and consistency. Eachside 128 has a length 128L that may be about 3.0 m to about 10 m. Insome embodiments, the length 128L may be about 5 m.

The hoop structure 108 may be a multi-sided polygon having sides 130.The number of sides 130 of the hoop structure 108 may be a multiple ofthe number of sides 128 of the exterior support structure. In thedepicted embodiment, the hoop structure 108 has 24 sides, although moreor fewer sides are contemplated. Each side of the hoop structure 108supports one or more square cells 112. This configuration allows thehoop structure 108 to rotate freely around the interior of the exteriorsupport structure 110. Although the hoop structure 108 may have morethan 24 sides 130 or fewer than 24 sides 130, 24 sides 130 will be usedin the discussion below for the sake of clarity and consistency.

The one or more square cells 112 may be stacked in a vertical direction.In the illustrated embodiment, the hoop structure 108 contains 24 stacksof four square cells 112. This configuration includes 24 stacks ofsquare cells 112 supported by the hoop structure 108 for a total of 96square cells 112, or 96 carbon capture cylinders 114, also referred toas carbon capture containers. As arranged, each fan 118 may blow airthrough 4 carbon capture cylinders 114 in a 2×2 grid pattern. Eachcarbon capture cylinder 114 has an outwardly facing side facing a fan118 and an inwardly facing side facing the interior of the DAC structure100.

Each side 130 of the hoop structure 108 has a width 130W and the hoopstructure 108 has a diameter of 108D. The width 130W may be about 1.5 mto about 5 m giving a diameter 108D of about 11.5 m to about 39 m,though larger and smaller values are contemplated. In some embodiments,the width 130W may be about 2.5 m giving a diameter 108D of about 20 m.In some embodiments, the width 130W may be larger than 5 m giving adiameter 108D of more than 39 m.

In the example implementation shown, the DAC structure 100 has anoverall height 100H that may be about 9.3 m to about 31.7 m, althoughother sizes, both larger and smaller are contemplated. In someembodiments, height 100H may be about 16.3 m. In the exampleimplementation shown, the base structure 102 has a height 102H that maybe about 5.7 m to about 19.6 m. In some embodiments, the height 102H maybe about 10 m, although other sizes, larger and smaller arecontemplated. The example roof structure 104 shown has a height 104Hthat may be about 3.6 m to about 12.1 m. In some embodiments, the height104H may be about 6.3 m, although other sizes, larger and smaller arecontemplated. The height 100H is a combination of height 102H and 104Hand about 1.6 times larger than the height 102H, which may be the goldenratio.

In the example implementation shown, the DAC structure 100 has anoverall width 100W that may be about 15.1 m to about 51.4 m, althoughother sizes, both larger and smaller are contemplated. In someembodiments, width 100W may be about 26.4 m, or about 1.6 times largerthan height 100H, which may be the golden ratio.

Each fan panel 116 has a height 116H, that is the sum of a height 118Hof the bottom fan 118A and the height 118H of the top fan 118B, and awidth 116W. In the example implementation shown, height 118H may beabout 2.9 m to about 9.8 m. Therefore, height 116H may be about 5.8 m toabout 19.6 m, although other sizes, larger and smaller are contemplated.In some embodiments, height 118H may be about 5 m and height 116H may beabout 10 m, although other sizes, larger and smaller are contemplated.Width 116W may be about 3 m to about 10 m, though larger and smallervalues are contemplated. In some embodiments, width 116W may be about 5m. Each fan 118 is configured to convey air from the exterior of the DACstructure 100, through the square cells 112, and into the interior ofthe DAC structure 100. More information about the fans will be providedfurther below.

The regeneration station 120, including the one or more regenerationstructures 122, has a total height of 120H that may be about the sameheight as the fan panels 116. Each regeneration chamber 122 has a width122W and a height 122H. In the illustrated embodiment, the width 122Wmay be about half the size of length 128L and about the same width as130W. In some embodiments, width 122W may be about 1.5 m to about 5 m,though larger and smaller values are contemplated. In some embodiments,the width 122W may be about 2.5 m. In the illustrated embodiment, theheight 122H may be about half the height 118H, or about half the heightof a fan 118, though larger and smaller ratios are contemplated. In theillustrated embodiment, the height 122H may be about 2.5 m. In someembodiments, the height 122H may be about 1.5 m to about 5 m, thoughlarger and smaller values are contemplated. The regeneration structure122 will be described in more detail further below, with reference to aregeneration structure 1500, shown in FIGS. 14B and 15-17.

The Hoop Structure

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the inner structure of the DACstructure 100. The inner structure 200 provides the support necessaryfor the cells holding the carbon capturing media including a hoopstructure 202, an interior support structure 204, and an exteriorsupport structure 206 with the hoop structure 202 between the interiorsupport structure 204 and the exterior support structure 206. The hoopstructure 202, interior support structure 204, and exterior supportstructure 206 may be examples of the hoop structure 108, the interiorsupport structure 106, and exterior support structure 110 describedabove with respect to FIGS. 1A-1D. The inner structure 200, as describedfurther below, may be designed with the interior support structure 106,and/or exterior support structure 110. The inner structure 200, asdescribed further below, may be designed in way that allows the hoopstructure 202 to rotate in a clockwise direction around the innerstructure 200, while being supported and guided by the interior supportstructure 204 and/or the exterior support structure 206. In someembodiments, the hoop structure 202 may rotate in counter-clockwisedirection. The rotation of the hoop structure 202 enables the transportof a sorbent material from a carbon capture phase (e.g., in front of afan) to a carbon release phase (e.g., at the regeneration station).

The hoop structure 202 includes multiple structural frames 208. Eachstructural frame 208 includes a horizontal top member 210, a horizontalbottom member 212, and two vertical side members 214. The horizontal topmember 210 and the horizontal bottom member 212 may be fastened to thetwo vertical side members 214 to form the structural frame. In someembodiments, the structural frame 208 has a rectangular shape. In somealterative embodiments, the structural frame 208 may have a squareshape. In some other embodiments, the structural frame 208 may have ahexagonal shape. In other embodiments, the structural frame 208 may havedifferent shapes. Each structural frame 208 may be sized to receive andsupport a carbon capture media container, such as the square cell 112described above or the carbon capture cylinder described below.

Multiple structural frames 208 may be connected to form a grid havingrows and columns of structural frames 208. The bottom member 212 of afirst upper structural frame 208 may be connected to or serve as the topmember 210 of a first lower structure frame 208 to form a grid havingtwo rows and one column. The side member 214 of the first upperstructural frame 208 may be connected to or serve as the side member 214of an adjacent second upper structural frame 208. The side member 214 ofthe first lower structural frame 208 may be connected to or serve as theside member 214 of a second lower structural frame 208, forming a gridhaving two rows and two columns. This process may be repeated until thegrid is the appropriate size and constructed of a thickness andmetallurgy to provide structural integrity. The grid may be formed in ahoop that is disposed around the DAC structure 100.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D, the grid has four rows andtwenty-four columns for a total of ninety-six structural frames 208.While the structural frames 208 may be straight and rigid, theconnections between the side members 214 of each structural frame 208may be connected in a manner that allows the hoop structure 202 to forma circular shape or near circular shape. In some embodiments, a spacermember may be placed in between each of the side members 214 of eachstructural frame 208 to form the curve necessary for the hoop structure202. In some embodiments, the connection between each of the sidemembers 214 of each structural frame 208 may be flexible, allowing thehoop structure 202 to form an almost circular shape. In someembodiments, the structural frame 208 is curved, allowing the hoopstructure 202 to form a circular shape. Carbon capture media containersupported by the hoop structure 202 may be straight, that is, notcurved, but may still be supported by a curved structural frame 208within hoop structure 202. In this way, each carbon capture mediacontainer may still be presented squared, e.g., straight on, to a fan118 or a regeneration structure 122.

With reference to FIG. 3, depicted is a bottom support structure for thehoop structure 202. The bottom support structure 216 supports the weightof grid of the hoop structure 202 described above and directly contactsthe ground. In some embodiments, the ground surface may be a cementfoundation. In some embodiments, the ground surface may be another typeof foundation, such as for example, a steel foundation or 316 stainlesssteel foundation. The bottom support structure 216 includes one or morerollers 218 that allow the hoop structure 202 to rotate around the DACstructure 100. In some embodiments, rollers 218 may be cylindricalrollers. In some other embodiments, rollers 218 may be ball type (e.g.,sphere shaped) rollers.

Returning to FIG. 2, the interior support structure 204 includeshorizontal support members 220 and vertical support members 222. Theinterior support structure 204 provides support and guidance for thehoop structure 202. In the depicted embodiment, the horizontal supportmembers 220 extend from a first vertical support member 222 to a secondvertical support member 222. The horizontal support members 220 may befastened to the vertical support members 222 using any availabletechnique. For example, each horizontal support member 220 may befastened to a vertical support member 222 by welding, riveting, and/orbolting the horizontal support member 220 to the vertical support member222.

The horizontal support members 220 have a length 220L in the horizontaldirection. In some embodiments, the length 220L may be about 2 m toabout 9 m, though larger and smaller values are contemplated. In someembodiments, the length 220L may be about 4.5 m. The vertical supportmembers 222 have a height 222H in the vertical direction. The verticalsupports 222 may extend from the horizontal supports 220 to the ground.In some embodiments, the height 222H may be about 5.7 m to about 19.6 m,though larger and smaller values are contemplated. In some embodiments,the height 222H may be about 10 m. The height 222H may be greater thanthe height 202H of the hoop structure 202. In some embodiments, interiorsupport structure 204 may be absent across from fan panel 116.

The exterior support structure 206 includes horizontal support members224 and vertical support members 226. The exterior support structure 206provides support and guidance for the hoop structure 202. In thedepicted embodiment, the horizontal support members 224 extend from afirst vertical support member 226 to a second vertical support member226. The horizontal support members 224 may be fastened to the verticalsupport members 226 using any available technique, similar to thosediscussed above with respect to the interior support structure 204.

The horizontal support members 224 have a length 224L in the horizontaldirection. In some embodiments, the length 224L may be about 3 m toabout 10 m, though larger and smaller values are contemplated. In someembodiments, the length 224L may be about 5 m. The vertical supportmembers 226 have a height 226H in the vertical direction. The verticalsupports 226 may extend from the horizontal supports 224 to the ground.In some embodiments, the height 226H may be about 5.7 m to about 19.6 m,though larger and smaller values are contemplated. In some embodiments,the height 226H may be about 10 m. The height 226H may be greater thanthe height 202H of the hoop structure 202.

Some implementations include one or more roller guide mechanisms thatguide the hoop structure 202 as it rotates around the DAC structure 100.The roller guide mechanism may include one or more rollers 218 (FIG. 3or 4) disposed on vertical support members 226 (FIG. 2) of the exteriorsupport structure 206 and/or the vertical support members 222 (FIG. 2)of the interior support structure 204. In some implementations, theinterior support structure 204 uses the roller guide mechanism tosupport and guide the hoop structure 202 as it rotates. The roller guidemechanism may be mounted to the vertical support structure 222 bywelding, riveting, bolting, and/or other fasteners. The roller 218 maybe supported by the vertical support structure and may rotate freely.Depending upon the implementation, the roller 218 may be held in placeby a pin or other support. Each interior vertical support member 222 mayinclude one or more roller guide mechanisms at various positions alongthe height 222H of the vertical support member 222.

In some embodiments, a roller guide mechanism may be placed at positionsthat correspond to the heights of the bottom frame 212 and top frame 210of each frame 208 of the hoop structure 202. In some embodiments, fewerroller guide mechanisms may be placed. In some other embodiments, theroller guide mechanisms may be placed on the vertical support members226 of the exterior support structure 206. In yet other embodiments,roller guide mechanisms may be placed on interior vertical supportmembers 222 and exterior vertical support member 226.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary drive mechanism 234 for rotating the hoopstructure 202. The drive mechanism 234 may include a base 236 and amotor 238 and may be secured to the floor to rotate the hoop structure202. The base 236 may include gears for interfacing with and drivingdrive teeth 240 of the hoop structure 202. The base 236 may includeadditional gearing to improve the torque of the motor 238. The motor 238may be an electric motor. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism 234may be a yaw gear and drive system, such as yaw drive mechanism 600depicted in FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism 234 may bea rack and pinion drive system.

In some embodiments, the drive mechanism 234 may be secured to avertical support member 222 of the interior support structure 204. Theremay be multiple drive mechanisms 234 spaced around the interior of thehoop structure 202. In some embodiments, there may be between two andeight drive mechanisms 234. In some embodiments, there may be four drivemechanisms 234 equally spaced around the interior of the hoop structure202 and configured to mechanically convey the hoop structure 202.

In some other embodiments, the drive mechanism 234 may be secured to avertical support member 226 of the exterior support structure 206. Theremay be multiple drive mechanisms 234 spaced around the exterior of thehoop structure 202. In some embodiments, there may be between two andeight drive mechanisms 234. In some embodiments, there may be four drivemechanisms 234 equally spaced around the exterior of the hoop structure202 and configured to mechanically convey the hoop structure 202. Insome other embodiments, the drive mechanism 234 may be secured to avertical support member 226 of the exterior support structure 206 andvertical support member 222 of the interior support structure 204. Theremay be multiple drive mechanisms 234 spaced around the exterior andinterior of the hoop structure 202. In some embodiments, there may bebetween two and eight drive mechanisms 234. In some embodiments, theremay be four drive mechanisms 234 equally spaced around the interior andexterior of the hoop structure 202 and configured to mechanically conveythe hoop structure 202.

The Air Diverter

The air diverter 126 helps remove the processed air from the DACstructure 100 by redirecting the processed air entering the DACstructure 100 upward so that the processed air does not stay inside theDAC structure 100 but is instead effectively and efficiently removedfrom the structure through the opening in the roof structure 104. Theair diverter 126 may reduce turbulence and decrease the pressure drop ofthe air allowing more air to be moved per unit pressure drop. It alsominimizes the amount of land used to prevent cross circulation ofprocessed air into the fans.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, further depictions of the air diverter126 are provided. Diverter 700, also referred to as an air diverter andwhich may correspond to the air diverter 126, may include a centersupport structure 702 and a body 704 that is anchored to the centersupport structure 702 at upper anchor points 706 and anchored to thefloor at lower anchor points 708. The body 704 of diverter 700 providesa surface for deflecting air entering the DAC structure 100 upward inorder to remove the air from DAC structure 100 and avoid recirculatingthe same air through DAC structure 100. That is, the air enters the DACstructure 100 in a first direction (e.g., horizontal) and the diverter700 redirects the air to flow in a second direction that is angledupwardly from the first direction. The body 704 should be made of amaterial that is able to redirect the incoming air stream upward. Insome embodiments, the body 704 may be made of a canvas or plasticmaterial that, when stretched, provides the appropriate surface todeflect the air. In some embodiments, the body 704 may be made of amolded material that provides the proper shape needed to redirect, ordivert, the air. The molded material may be made of a plastic, a metal,a polycarbonate, and/or another suitable material.

Structure and support for the body 704 may be provided by the centersupport structure 702, including upper anchor points 706, and the loweranchor points 708. In some embodiments, the center support structure 702may be a pole that may be anchored to the floor. In some embodiments,the center support structure 702 may be a ring that may be suspendedfrom above. The body 704 may be anchored to the center support structure702 at upper anchor points 706. Each body section 710 may be anchoredindividually to the center support structure 702.

The diameter of the diverter 700 determines when air entering the DACstructure 100 begins to be diverted upward. Similarly, the diameter ofthe center support structure 702 determines how quickly the air must bediverted upward. The diverter 700 may be operably designed to maximizethe efficiency of redirecting the air upward while minimizing turbulencewithin the air.

Accordingly, the diverter 700 may have a diameter of 700D, orcross-sectional width, and the center support structure may have adiameter of 702D, or cross-sectional width. Lower anchor points 708 maybe positioned around the interior circumference of, and adjacent to, theinterior support structure 404 such that the diameter 700D of thediverter 700 is about equal to the diameter of the interior supportstructure 204. In some embodiments, where the interior support structure106 is absent, the diameter 700D is about equal to the diameter of thehoop structure 202. In some embodiments, the diameter 700D may be about10 m to about 36 m, though larger and smaller values are contemplated.The diameter 702D of the center support structure 702 may about 0.5 m toabout 2 m. In some embodiments, the diameter 702D may be about 1 m. Insome embodiments, the lower anchor points 708 may be located at a pointbetween two fan panels 116 (e.g., point 712). In some embodiments, thelower anchor points 708 may be located at a point in the middle of a fanpanel 116 (e.g., point 714).

The height of the diverter 700 also affects the turbulence of the air asit leaves the interior of the DAC structure 100. The height of thediverter 700 may be designed to work with the diameter 700D to maximizethe efficiency of removing the air from the DAC structure 100 andminimizing the turbulence of the air flow. Accordingly, diverter 700 hasa height 700H that is about 4 m to about 19 m, though larger and smallervalues are contemplated. In some embodiments, height 700H is about 10 m.In some embodiments, the height of diverter 700 is adjustable so thatthe air flow may be properly directed according to the height.

The Velocity Stack

FIGS. 9 and 10 depict the velocity stack 124, referenced in thesefigures by the reference number 900, according to various embodiments ofthe present disclosure. The velocity stack functions to remove theprocessed air from the DAC structure 100 so that the air is notrecirculated through the DAC structure 100. The air that is redirectedupward by the diverter 700 passes through the velocity stack 900 to exitout of the top of the DAC structure 100. The velocity stack is designedto be wider at the bottom than at the top so that the air is acceleratedas it passes through the velocity stack. Depending on theimplementation, the DAC structure may force the air exiting through thevelocity stack to achieve heights about 50 and 300 m, although higherand lower heights are contemplated. In some implementations, the air mayreach a height of about 125 m to about 205 m depending on the fan speedand design of the diverter 700 and velocity stack 900. Moving the carbondioxide depleted air to these heights helps ensure that the air is notrecirculated through the DAC structure 100. The efficiency of the DACstructure 100 is improved by not recirculating air that has already beenprocessed, thereby ensuring maximum carbon dioxide extraction from thesurrounding air.

The velocity stack 900 has a bottom diameter 900D1 that is greater thana top diameter 900D2. The bottom diameter 900D1 may be about the samediameter 108D of the hoop structure 108, about 10 m to about 40 m,though larger and smaller values are contemplated. The top diameter900D2 may be about 5 m to about 30 m, though larger and smaller valuesare contemplated. In some embodiments, a top diameter 900D2 may be about70% of the hoop diameter 108D, or about 14 m to maximize vertical throwwith nominal pressure drop. The height 900H of the velocity stack may beabout 3.6 m to about 12.1 m, though larger and smaller values arecontemplated. In some embodiments, the height 900H of the velocity stackmay be about 6.3 m.

Velocity stack 900 has a body portion 906 that extends from bottomportion 902 to top portion 904. Body portion 906 may be made of a metalsuch as aluminum or stainless steel. In some embodiments, body portion906 may be made of a plastic material, a molded material, or a tautcanvas. The body portion 906 may extend inward and upward from bottomportion 902 creating a curvilinear slope. This shape allows air to enterthe bottom portion 902 that has a larger opening and forces the air toexit the top portion 904 that has a smaller opening. This restrictionforces the air to move gradually faster as it exits the DAC structure100 thereby throwing the air higher above the ground and creating amomentum induced vacuum in the interior of DAC structure 100, which mayimprove the hydraulic efficiency of DAC Structure 100. Therefore, theair that was just processed and removed from the DAC structure 100 willbe less likely to be processed again by the DAC structure 100.

The Carbon Capture Cylinder

The Cell Frame and Cylinder

With respect to FIG. 11A, there is depicted a perspective view of acarbon capture media container according to some embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The carbon capture media container 1100 may be anexample of square cell 112 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1D.The carbon capture media container 1100, also referred to as a carboncapture vessel, includes a frame 1102 having a top surface 1104, a firstside surface 1106, a second side surface 1108, and a bottom surface1110. In some example implementations, the frame 1102 has a depth 1102D,a width 1102W, and a height 1102H, although the sizes can vary.Depending upon the implementation, the depth 1102D may be about 0.1 m toabout 1 m, though larger and smaller dimensions are contemplated. Insome embodiments, the depth 1102D may be about 0.15 m. The width 1102Wmay be about 1.5 m to about 5 m, though larger and smaller dimensionsare contemplated. In some embodiments, the width 1102W may be about 2.5m. The height 1102H may be about 1.5 m to about 5 m, though larger andsmaller dimensions are contemplated. In some embodiments, the height1102H may be about 2.5 m.

The frame 1102 may include a cylinder 1112. Cylinder 1112 may be anexample of carbon capture cylinder 114 discussed about with respect toFIGS. 1A-1D. Cylinder 1112 may have a diameter 1112D and a length 1112L.The diameter 1112D may be about 1 m to about 5 m, though larger andsmaller dimensions are contemplated. In some embodiments, the diameter1112D may be about 2.5 m. The length 1112L may be about 0.15 m to about3 m, though larger and smaller dimensions are contemplated. In someembodiments, the length 1112L may be about 0.7 m.

The cylinder 1112 may have an opening at each end of the cylinder and asidewall 1113 extending between each opening, forming the body of thecylinder 1112. The cylinder 1112 may include sorbent material separationelements 1114 to form a sorbent material sub container 1116 for holdingand supporting the sorbent material in a portion of the cylinder 1112.

The sorbent material sub container 1116 may include a first set ofidentical elongated sorbent material separation elements 1114 that runparallel to each other in a first direction and a second set ofidentical elongated sorbent material separation elements 1114 that runparallel to each other in a second direction that is perpendicular tothe first direction. The two sets of elongated elements may form asquare grid having multiple individual grid cells 1116 that run thelength 1112L. Grid cells 1116 may also be referred to as sorbentmaterial sub containers. In some embodiments, the grid cell 1116 may behexagonal. In other embodiments, the grid cell 1116 may be triangular.In some other embodiments, the grid cell 1116 may be circular and form acylinder of length 1112L. Regardless of the chosen shape, each end ofthe sorbent material sub container 1116 may be screened or grated toretain the adsorbent porous media inside the grid while allowing air toflow through it axially with nominal resistance. Regardless of thechosen shape, the walls of the sorbent material sub container 1116 wouldbe screened or grated to hold and support the adsorbent porous mediainside the grid while allowing air to flow through it orthogonally withnominal resistance.

With respect to FIG. 11A., in the depicted embodiment, the sorbentmaterial sub container cells 1116 have a rectangular shape. Each squaregrid cell 1116 has a height 1116H and a width 1116W. The grid height1116H may be about 1 cm to about 60 cm, though larger and smaller valuesare contemplated. In some embodiments, the grid height 1116H may beabout 25 cm. The grid width 1116W may be about 1 cm to about 60 cm,though larger and smaller values are contemplated. In some embodiments,the sorbent material sub container width 1116W may be about 25 cm.

With respect to FIG. 11B, in the depicted embodiment, the sorbentmaterial sub container 1116 may be constructed as a standalonepre-packed cylindrical cartridge 1130 to facilitate ease of loadingadsorbent porous media into the carbon capture vessel and to facilitateease of maintenance removal and replacement of adsorbent porous mediafrom time to time. The exterior wall 1131 of a pre-packed cylindricalcartridge 1130 would be screened or grated to retain the adsorbentporous media inside the cartridge while allowing air to flow out of thecartridge radially with nominal resistance. Each circular grid cell 1116has a diameter of 1116D. The grid diameter 1116D may be about 1 cm toabout 60 cm, though larger and smaller values are contemplated. In someembodiments, the grid diameter of 1116D may be about 25 cm.

In some embodiments, at the center of each standalone pre-packedcylindrical cartridge 1130 is a tube 1132 that runs the length 1112L andmay be supported in the center of cartridge by any suitable manner.Sorbent material would be placed in the annulus 1333 between tube 1132and exterior wall 1131 of cylindrical cartridge 1130. The end of tube1132 that faces a fan panel 116 would be open to allow air flow into thetube along its axis. The end of tube 1132 that faces the interior of theDAC structure 100 would be plugged. The tube diameter 1132D may bebetween 1 cm and 10 cm, though larger and smaller values arecontemplated. In some embodiments, tube diameter 1115D may be about 2.5cm.

Along the axis of tube 1132, the tube is either perforated withapertures such as holes 1134 or slots to allow bulk air flow in allradial directions away from tube 1132, for radial propagation throughthe sorbent materials inside the standalone pre-packed cylindricalcartridge 1130, and out exterior wall 1131 with nominal pressure drop.

With respect to FIG. 11C, in the depicted embodiment, standalonepre-packed cylindrical cartridges 1130 are arranged in an array pattern1140 inside cylinder 1112 to create an open annular space 1141 betweenthe cylindrical cartridges 1130 that are placed inside cylinder 1112(for convenience, only a portion of the array pattern 1140 isdisplayed). Open annular space 1141 serves as an exhaust pathway toevacuate processed air into the interior of the DAC structure 100 as itradially exits exterior wall 1131. With respect to FIG. 11D, at the endof cylinder 1112 that faces fan panel 116, a radial flow enabler lid1142 is installed to direct air flow into tubes 1132 and preventunprocessed air flow from entering the open annular space 1141 (forconvenience, only a portion of the array pattern 1140 is displayed). Lid1142 is fitted with tubing of a sufficient length and having an outsidediameter slightly smaller or larger than the interior diameter of tube1132 to cause air flow to flow exclusively into tubes 1132.

Returning to FIG. 11A, the cylinder 1112 may include one or more clamppoints 1118. In some embodiments, there may be four clamp points 1118,also referred to as locking points, located on an exterior surface ofcylinder 1112. In some embodiments, there may be fewer than four clamppoints 1118. In some embodiments, there may be more than four clamppoints 1118. In some embodiments, the clamp point 1118 may have arectangular shape. In some embodiments, the clamp point 1118 may havetriangular shape. In the depicted embodiment, the clamp point 1118 has astair like shape.

Each of the one or more clamp points 1118 may include a hole 1120 forsecurely clamping to the clamp point 1118. Each clamp point 1118 may besecurely fixed in a trench 1122 around the circumference of the cylinder1112. The trench 1122 may provide support and structural stability forthe clamp point 1118. The clamp point 1118 may be secured to thecylinder 1112 through a hole 1120 in the cylinder 1112.

Carbon capture media container 1100, including cylinder 1112, sorbentmaterial separation elements 1114, sorbent material sub container 1116,pre-packed cylindrical cartridge 1130, standalone exterior wall 1131,tube 1132, and radial flow enabler lid 1142 may be collectively referredto as a sorbent material holding apparatus and may be constructed from ametal or polymer that does not oxidize and does not react with thesorbent material. In some examples, the carbon capture media container1100 is constructed of 316 stainless steel.

Two or more carbon capture media containers 1100 may be joined togetherto form a stack of carbon capture media containers, such as illustratedin FIG. 12. The stack 1200 of carbon capture media containers 1100 maybe an example of the stack of four square cells 112 discussed above withrespect to FIGS. 1A-1D. The stack 1200 of carbon capture containers 1100(also referred to as frame stack 1200) has a height 1200H and a width1200W. The frame stack height 1200H may be about 5 m to about 20 m,though larger and smaller dimensions are contemplated. In someembodiments, the frame stack height 1200H may be about 10 m. The framestack width 1200W may be about 1.5 m to about 5 m, though larger andsmaller dimensions are contemplated. In some embodiments, the framestack width 1200W may be about 2.5 m.

The frame stack 1200 may include two or more frames 1102 (e.g., carboncapture media containers 1100) connected to each other. The frames 1102may be connected vertically to form frame stack 1200. That is, thebottom surface 1110 of a first frame 1102 may be connected to the topsurface 1104 of a second frame 1102. In some embodiments the frames 1102may be bolted together. In some embodiments, the frames 1102 may bewelded together. In some embodiments, the frame stack 1200 may includefour frames 1102 connected in a vertical stack with a bottom surface ofthe first, second, and third frames serving as or being connected to atop surface of the second, third, and fourth frames, respectively. Inthe illustrated embodiment, four frames 1102 are connected to form astack. In this embodiment, four frames 1102 are used because a framestack 1200 having four frames 1102 may be transported using a standardflatbed trailer.

The Carbon Adsorbing Media

The cylinder 1112 of the carbon capture media container 1100 is filledwith a carbon dioxide sorbent material, also referred to collectively asadsorbent porous media. The carbon capture media container 1100 isdesigned to be agnostic to the type of adsorbent porous media selectedfor use. Certain characteristics are nonetheless preferred for use inthe atmospheric carbon dioxide removal DAC structure 100 to facilitateefficient advection, contact, and capture of carbon dioxide.

With atmospheric carbon dioxide levels currently under 500 ppm, theatmospheric carbon dioxide removal DAC structure 100 must handle atleast 2,000 constituent molecules of air for each carbon dioxidemolecule advected through the sorbent material. At today's levels, aboutforty-five million standard cubic feet of air must be handled to supplya single metric ton of carbon dioxide to the carbon capture mediacontainer 1100. A preferred characteristic of the sorbent material istherefore one that possesses a high relative permeability to air, toimprove the carbon dioxide advection flux across it per unit pressuredrop to minimize bulk airflow energy used. To achieve this, the sorbentmaterial may be supported by or be a functional embodiment of metalorganic frameworks (MOFs), zeolites, monoliths, activated carbon,fibrous sheets, fibrous matter, packed beds, sand, porous polymernetworks, and/or other materials.

Another preferred characteristic of a sorbent material is one thatpromotes a high contact efficiency between the bulk flow of air and thesurface of the sorbent material. The contacting system inside the carboncapture media container 1100 is expected to either be a conventionalfixed bed configuration (comprised of random packed pellets orstructured packings or other materials) or a structured fixed bedconfiguration (such as parallel flow monoliths or other geometricallyarranged structured packing materials). A contacting system that orientsair flow parallel to a structured fixed bed walls may result in laminarflow and low pressure drop at the expense of carbon dioxide slippage andlow contacting efficiency. Conversely, a contacting structure thatorients air flow perpendicular to the sorbent material may result inhigh contacting efficiency from tortuous flow, at the expense ofpressure drop. Adsorbent porous media that makes use of radial flowcontactors such as standalone pre-packed cylindrical cartridge 1130,dual porosity systems with hierarchical pore structures, and sorbentmaterials that can be engineered or tuned to optimize contactingefficiency, surface area and permeability are preferred.

Another preferred characteristic of a sorbent material is one that canbe supplied at low cost and can capture carbon in an energy efficientreversible process, as measured by uptake capacity, kinetics, carbondioxide selectivity over other gases, binding energy, regenerationenergy, and extended cyclability. Amines (i.e., ammonia derivatives inwhich one, or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by an organic radical)are well known for having high selectivity to chemically bind carbondioxide to it in a reversible process. The most mature application of anamine-based process is the absorption of carbon dioxide from anaerobicoil and gas production flow streams. Another proven application ofamine-based absorption involves separating carbon dioxide frompost-combustion flue gasses for utilization or sequestration.Post-combustion carbon capture processes do, however, sufferoperationally from corrosion, solvent degradation issues and a largeregeneration energy penalty. A less developed application of anamine-based process is one that physically or chemically adsorbs carbondioxide from the atmosphere onto a porous solid material. The benefit ofthis approach is a lower regeneration energy penalty and potentiallylower cost of operations. Many promising sorbent materials have beendemonstrated by researchers. In some embodiments, amines are physicallyembedded in or on the underlying porous media support structure. Inother embodiments, the adsorbent porous media may be of an amino polymercomposition or may be prepared by grafting amine materials onto thesupport structure. Regardless, the carbon capture media container 1100is designed to be agnostic to the type of adsorbent porous media to beused, provided the sorbent material possesses the preferredcharacteristics. As will be discussed further below, once saturated withcarbon dioxide, the sorbent material will be regenerated in a uniqueprocess and the carbon capture cycle repeated.

The Fans

The Fans

With reference to FIG. 13, depicted is an exemplary fan panel accordingto embodiments of the present disclosure. Fan panel 1300 provides amechanism for effectively and efficiently forcing air containing carbondioxide through the sorbent material to extract the carbon dioxide fromthe air. Fan panel 1300 may be an example of fan panel 116 describedabove in FIG. 1A. A goal of the fan panel 1300 is to generally drive airflow at a rate and static pressure that matches the resistance pressurepresented by DAC structure 100 downstream of the fans. Accordingly,depending on a number of factors related to the design of DAC structure100 in general and the selected adsorbent porous media in particular,fan panel 1300 can naturally pressure balance with the resistance of DACstructure 100 at fan air flow speeds of about 5 m/s to about 10 m/s,though larger and smaller values are contemplated. Depending on the fan,each fan may be configured to move air through the fan at a rate ofabout 100,000 cubic feet per minute (CFM) to about 250,000 CFM, thoughlarger and smaller values are contemplated. In some embodiments, eachfan may move air at a rate of about 220,000 CFM at a static pressure ofabout one inch water gauge.

As an example, with reference to FIG. 1A, the illustrated embodimentincludes twenty fans that each move air at a rate of 220,000 CFM so thateach DAC structure 100 is capable of moving about 4.4 million CFM ofair, or about 150 tons of air per minute. These are example values only,and larger and smaller fans and/or fan motors may move more or less air.In an example, one metric ton of carbon dioxide occupies forty-fivemillion standard cubic feet of air at 420 ppm carbon dioxide. As anexample, with the fan panels 1300 arranged in the illustratedconfiguration and depending on size, a single DAC structure 100 mayadvect about 10,000 tons to about 100,000 tons of carbon dioxide fromthe air annually. In some embodiments, a single DAC structure 100 mayadvect about 50,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the air annually.

Fan panel 1300 has a height 1300H from the ground, or floor, to the topof the fan panel 1300. Height 1300H may be about 5 m to about 15 m. Insome embodiments, height 1300H may be about 10 m. Fan stack 1300 has awidth 1300W that is about 3 m to about 8 m, though larger and smallerdimensions are contemplated. In some embodiments, width 1300W may beabout 5 m.

Fan panel 1300 includes an upper fan body 1302A and a lower fan body1302B. Upper fan body 1302A is disposed over, and attached to, lower fanbody 1302B. Fan bodies 1302A, 1302B may each have a height 1302H that isabout 3 m to about 8 m, though larger and smaller dimensions arecontemplated. In some embodiments, height 1302H may be about 5 m. Eachfan body 1302A, 1302B includes a body panel 1304, a fan frame 1306, amotor 1308, a motor support 1310, fan blades 1312, and a supportstructure 1314 including bottom supports 1316, vertical supports 1318,middle supports 1320, and top supports 1322. Body panels 1304 may belocated on the side of fan stack 1300 facing the interior of the DACstructure 100. Body panels 1304 may be a solid surface and made of ametal, such as aluminum or stainless steel. Body panels 1304 have anopening for air to pass from the fan stack 1300 and into, and through,the carbon capture cylinders 1112. Body panels 1304 are secured tosupport structure 1314. Body panels 1304 further includes a horizontalattachment 1324 for securing fan stack 1300 to external supportstructure 406.

Fan frame 1306 is a cylindrical frame attached to body panel 1304 toallow for movement of air through the fan frame 1306. Frame 1306 has adiameter of 1306D that may be about 2 m to about 6 m, though larger andsmaller values are contemplated. In some embodiments, diameter 1306D maybe about 4.0 m. Motor support 1310 may be attached to frame 1306 andsupport fan motor 1308. Motor support 1310 may be made of metal, such asfor example, aluminum, steel, or stainless steel. Fan motor 1308 may besupported by motor support 1310 and configured to drive fan blades 1312.Fan motor 1308 may be an electric motor with associated controlequipment and variable frequency drives.

Fan blades 1312 may be variable fan blades. Each fan 1302 may includeabout 3 and 16 fan blades, though more and fewer fan blades arecontemplated. In some embodiments, each fan 1302 may include 8 fanblades. The fan blades 1312 may be variable pitch, or angle, allowingeach fan 1302 to be tuned for maximum air throughput efficiency. In someimplementations, each blade may have an angle of about 4° to about 12°,though larger and smaller values are contemplated. In some embodiments,the fan blades have an angle of about 10°. The fan blades 1312 may runabout 300 RPM to about 500 RPM, though larger and smaller RPM values arecontemplated. In some embodiments, the fan blades may run at about 359RPM. The flexibility provided by the variable pitch and speed fansallows different adsorbent porous media to be used in DAC structures100. For example, for a given fan blade pitch and motor horsepower,there is a certain air outflow, or performance. For a given adsorbentporous media, there is a certain air inflow, or resistance. Each fan maybe tuned to the optimum performance for the resistance of the givensorbent material.

Support structure 1314 includes bottom horizontal supports 1316, middlehorizontal supports 1320, and top horizontal supports 1322 and verticalsupports 1318. The top fan 1302A is supported by top horizontal supports1322, middle horizontal supports 1320, and vertical supports 1318. Thebottom fan 1302B is supported by middle horizontal supports 1320, bottomhorizontal supports 1316, and vertical supports 1318. More or lesssupports are contemplated. Vertical supports 1318, bottom horizontalsupports 1316, middle horizontal supports 1320, and top horizontalsupports 1322 may be manufactured of aluminum, steel, stainless steel,and/or another metal or composite material.

The Regeneration Station

The Regeneration Station

With reference to FIGS. 14A-14C and 15-17, depicted are a singleregeneration structure, a stack of regeneration structures, and aregeneration station including a grid of regeneration structures.Multiple regeneration structure 1500 may be stacked to form aregeneration structure stack 1600 (FIG. 16) and multiple regenerationstructure stacks 1600 may be placed adjacent to one another to form aregeneration station 1700 (FIG. 17). Regeneration structure 1500 may bean example the regeneration structure 122 described about with respectto FIG. 1A. Regeneration station 1700 may be an example of theregeneration station 120 described above with respect to FIG. 1A. Theregeneration station 1700, and more specifically, the regenerationstructure 1500 are important for removing the carbon captured by thecarbon capture media within the carbon capture cylinders 1112. Withoutthe regeneration station 1700, the carbon capture media within thecarbon capture cylinder 1112 would, over time, become saturated and lesseffective at capturing carbon dioxide from bulk air flow advection. Byremoving the captured carbon from the carbon capture cylinder 1112, theadsorbent media is refreshed, or regenerated, and able to repeat thecarbon capture cycle.

The regeneration structure 1500, also referred to as a carbon removalapparatus, has a height of 1500H, a width of 1500W, a depth of 1500D(though larger and smaller values are contemplated), and includes twochamber doors 1502 (also referred to as doors) disposable andconnectable with carbon capture cylinders 1112. The chamber doors 1502may be shaped to match the carbon capture cylinders 1112 (which are notrequired to be cylindrical), and in the embodiment shown, are circularin shape and have a diameter of 1 m to 5 m, though larger and smallerdoors are contemplated. The height 1500H may be about 1 m to about 5 m,though larger and smaller values are contemplated. In some embodiments,the height 1500H may be about 2.5 m. The width 1500W may be about 1 m toabout 5 m, though larger and smaller values are contemplated. In someembodiments, the width 1500W may be about 2.5 m. The depth 1500D may beabout 0.5 m to about 5 m, though larger and smaller values arecontemplated. In some embodiments, the depth 1500D may be about 1 m. Thediameter 1502D may be about 1 m to about 5 m, though larger and smallervalues are contemplated. In some embodiments, the diameter 1502D may beabout 2.5 m. Generally, the regeneration structure 1500 may be sized tointerface with the carbon capture media container 1100, specifically thecarbon capture cylinder 1112, described above with respect to FIG. 2.

The regeneration structure 1500 may include horizontal supports 1504 andvertical supports 1506 connected to form a support structure 1508 foreach regeneration structure 1500. A bottom portion and a top portion ofthe support structure 1508 may each be formed by four horizontalsupports 1504 connected at right angles, forming a rectangle. The bottomportion and the top portion may be connected at the corners by verticalsupports 1506. The support structure 1508 may be made from a metal, suchas aluminum, steel, or stainless steel or other supporting material, forexample. The horizontal supports 1504 and the vertical supports 1506 maybe connected by welding, riveting, bolting, and/or other fasteningmethod, for example.

The support structure 1508 for the regeneration structure 1500 mayfacilitate the stacking of multiple regeneration structures 1500, suchas illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. Additionally, the support structure1508 may facilitate the movement (e.g., opening and closing) of thechamber door 1502. A support base 1510 may be fastened to the chamberdoor 1502 to provide support for the weight of the door 1502 as well asprovide for opening and closing of the door 1502 as will be discussedfurther below.

The chamber door 1502 further includes one or more locks, described aslock mechanisms 1512 around the outer perimeter of the door 1502. Theone or more lock mechanisms 1512 are suited for interfacing with theclamp points 1118 of the carbon capture cylinders 1112. In theillustrated embodiment, the lock mechanism 1512 is linearly translatedthrough an opening in the clamp point 1118 to effectively lock thechamber door 1502 to the carbon capture cylinder 1112. In someembodiments, the lock mechanism 1512 may rotationally translate in amanner that locks the chamber door 1502 to the carbon capture cylinder1112. In some other embodiments, the lock mechanisms 1512 may be screwtype mechanisms that provide resistance to movement in multipledirections. Other types of lock mechanisms are contemplated for use withthe regeneration structure 1500.

A seal mechanism is used at an interface 1514 of the chamber door 1502and the media cylinder 1112. The seal mechanism provides an airtightseal between the door 1502 and the cylinder 1112 at the interface 1514.Creating an airtight seal allows the regeneration station to perform theprocess of releasing the carbon from the adsorbent media in the cylinder1112. Multiple different techniques may be used for releasing the carbonfrom the adsorbent media including, for example, pulling a vacuum,flushing with a liquid, heating, and/or pressurizing with cold water ora solvent. Generally, providing an airtight seal provides theflexibility to utilize multiple different methods of releasing thetrapped carbon from the adsorbent porous media.

The seal mechanism may be any suitable mechanism for providing anairtight seal. In some embodiments, an inflatable toroid or otherinflatable apparatus, formed for example, of an inflatable elastomer,may be placed along an inside rim of the door 1502. The apparatus wouldthen be inflated after engaging the lock mechanisms 1512 to therebycreate an airtight seal. The combination of the compression from thedoor 1502 placed against the cylinder 1112 and the inflatable apparatusmay provide the necessary sealing. In some embodiments, a gasket may beinserted into an inside rim of the door 1502 to form the seal at theinterface 1514. The gasket may be sized such that it is compressed whenthe door 1502 contacts the cylinder 1112 so that the gasket iscompressed to fill the space in the interface 1514 and thereby create anairtight seal.

Each regeneration structure 1500 include two doors 1502, an interiordoor 1502A and an exterior door 1502B. When a cell containing a carboncapture cylinder 1112 is moved into position within the regenerationstructure (e.g., between the doors 1502A and 1502B), the doors 1502A and1502B are moved to interface with the cylinder 1112. The doors 1502A,1502B may be translated linearly toward and away from the cylinder 1112.In some embodiments, the doors 1502A, 1502B may rotationally translatetoward and way from the cylinder 1112. In some embodiments, the doors1502A, 1502B may be translated in a combination of linear and rotationalmovement. Each door 1502A, 1502B is locked into place using lockmechanisms 1512, thereby engaging the seal mechanism to create anairtight seal between the doors 1502A, 1502B and the cylinder 1112 andturning cylinder 1112 into a pressure vessel. When in this position, theregeneration structure may perform the regeneration process. Eachregeneration structure may be connected to a vacuum pump or other pumpto depressurize and pressurize the pressure vessel. Each regenerationstructure may be connected to rigid pipes or flexible hoses that deliverwater, solvents, or steam to the pressure vessel or the other pump. Eachregeneration structure may be connected to rigid pipes or flexible hosesthat extract water, solvents, steam, and carbon dioxide from thepressure vessel or the vacuum pump.

With reference to FIG. 15, an exemplary mechanism is illustrated forclosing the regeneration structure 1500 with and sealing a carboncapture cylinder 1112 for processing. In the depicted embodiment,regeneration structure 1500 includes an interior base 1510A and door1502A and an exterior base 1510B and door 1502B. Each regeneration base1510A, 1510B and door 1502A, 1502B moves along respective tracks 1516and are moved by motors 1518A and 1518B. Motors 1518A, 1518B translate,or convey, each half of the regeneration structure 1500 linearly towardand away from carbon capture cylinder 1112. This separation of each halfof regeneration structure 1500 allows the hoop structure 108 to rotatethereby removing a processed cylinder 1112 away from the regenerationstructure 1500 and bringing another cylinder 1112 to be processed by theregeneration structure 1500.

Multiple regeneration structures 1500 may be stacked vertically to forma regeneration structure stack 1600 (also referred to as a stack). Thestack 1600 may have a height 1600H that may be about the height of thetotal number of regeneration structures included in the stack. That is,if there are two regeneration structures 1500 in the stack 1600, thenthe height 1600H is twice the height 1500H. The height 1600H may beabout 4 m to about 20 m, though larger and smaller values arecontemplated. In some embodiments, the height 1600H may be about 10 m.The support structure 1508 of each regeneration structure 1500 may beused to form the stack 1600.

The stack 1600 contains the same number of regeneration structures 1500as the number of frames 208 in the stack 300 as discussed above withrespect to FIGS. 2 and 3.

Multiple stacks 1600 may be connected adjacent to one another to formthe regeneration station 1700. The regeneration station 1700 has aheight 1700H that is equal to the height 1600H of the stacks included inthe regeneration station. The regeneration station 1700 has a width1700W that is about equal to a multiple of the width of the stacks 1600,or regeneration structure 1500. The width 1700W may be larger or smallerdepending on whether the stacks 1600 are arranged in an arcing manner,such as the depicted in FIG. 17. In the illustrated embodiment, theregeneration station 1700 includes a four-by-four grid of sixteenregeneration structures 1500. In this configuration, the regenerationstation 1700 may regenerate sixteen carbon capture media containers1100, including cylinders 1112, at a time which represents one-sixth ofthe total number of cylinders 1112 in the DAC structure 100. The size ofthe regeneration station 1700 and quantity of the carbon capture mediacontainers 1100 that may be regenerated at a time may be larger orsmaller. In the illustrated embodiment, this configuration allowsfive-sixths (e.g., eighty) of the cylinders 1112 to be activelyadvecting carbon dioxide from the air while one-sixth (e.g., sixteen) ofthe cylinders 1112 are being regenerated by the regeneration station1700.

As previously mentioned, regeneration of the sorbent material may beaccomplished using a variety of different processes. The design of theregeneration structure 1500 provides flexibility for using one or moredifferent processes concurrently or consecutively to provide the bestresults in regenerating the adsorbent media.

With reference to FIG. 18A, depicted is an exemplary dual direct aircapture (DAC) structure configuration where two DAC structures share aregeneration region according to some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The dual structure configuration 1800 includes a first DACstructure 1802A including a first regeneration station 1804A and asecond DAC structure 1802B including a second regeneration station1804B. The first and second DAC structures 1804A, 1804B may be examplesof the DAC structure 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1D.The first and second regeneration stations 1804A, 1804B may be examplesof the regeneration station 1700 described above with respect to FIG.17. The first and second regeneration stations 1804A, 1804B of the firstand second DAC structures 1802A, 1802B are connected at the regenerationregion 1806 and enclosed by a shroud 1808 (also referred to as aplenum).

The shroud 1808 may include the infrastructure necessary to process theadsorbent porous media and desorb carbon dioxide from it. Necessaryinfrastructure may include vacuum pumps, other pumps, water and steamsupply pipes, extraction pipes (also referred to as atmospheric ventpipes, drainpipes, condensation pipes), holding tanks, and processcontrol equipment. Infrastructure located within the shroud 1808 may beconnected to a centralized balance of plant (i.e., a facility thatserves more than one DAC Structure configuration 100 or dual DACStructure configuration 1820 from which cold water, hot water, steam,and electricity can be supplied to the infrastructure located within theshroud 1808 and carbon dioxide laden steam and water can be transferredaway from the shroud 1808 region for separation, treating, andcompression). Placing the regeneration regions adjacent to one anotherand sharing the regeneration region reduces the infrastructure footprintand costs by sharing the necessary infrastructure. Additionally, theremay be an energy savings achieved by co-locating regeneration station1804A and 1804B in regeneration region 1806. For example, theregeneration stations 1804A, 1804B may be configured to operate on analternating cycle. That is, regeneration station 1804A may be beginningthe process as regeneration station 1804B is finishing the process. Inthis configuration, steam or heated water used by regeneration station1804B may be pumped to regeneration stations 1804A to improve thermalefficiency of the regeneration process. The same is true for any chilledwater that could be used by regeneration station 1804A, 1804B.

With reference to FIG. 18B, depicted is another exemplary dual directair capture (DAC) structure configuration where two DAC structures sharea regeneration region according to some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The dual structure configuration 1820 includes a first DACstructure 1802A including a first regeneration station 1804A and asecond DAC structure 1802B including a second regeneration station1804B. The first and second regeneration stations 1804A, 1804B of thefirst and second DAC structures 1802A, 1802B are connected at theregeneration region 1806 and enclosed by a shroud 1808 as describedabove with respect to FIG. 18A.

The dual structure configuration 1820 further includes an infinityshield 1822 that surrounds the perimeter of the dual structureconfiguration 1820. The infinity shield 1822 may be constructed of afencing, screen, or flexible netting material that provides a level ofprotection for the exposed fans and fan blades on the exterior of eachDAC structure 100. The infinity shield 1822 may prevent debris frombeing pulled in by the fan panels. Additionally, the infinity shield1822 may prevent birds and bats from being pulled into the fan panels.The infinity shield 1822 may be about 2 m to about 4 m away from the fanpanels, though larger and smaller values are contemplated. The verticalposts that support the infinity shield may be constructed usingperforated hollow tubing constructed out of any suitable material. Whenconnected to any centralized balance of plant thermal exhaustdistribution system, the vertical posts can also serve to increase theconcentration of carbon dioxide advected into each DAC structure 100which may improve advection efficiency.

FIGS. 19A and 19B depict exemplary methods of regenerating the adsorbentporous media. With reference to FIG. 19A, a flow diagram for releasing,or desorbing, carbon dioxide from the sorbent material according to someembodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. In an embodiment,method 1900 may be implemented by a regeneration station, such asregeneration station 1700, and more specifically by each regenerationstructure in the regeneration station, such as regeneration structure1500. It is understood that additional steps can be provided before, andafter the steps of method 1900, and that some of the steps described canbe replaced or eliminated for other embodiments of the method 1900.According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the totalamount of time needed to perform the method 1900 may be about 5 minutesto about 45 minutes, though shorter and longer times are contemplated.In some embodiments, the method 1900 may be completed in about 15minutes.

At block 1902, the regeneration structure receives a carbon capturecylinder for processing. The carbon capture cylinder may have been in acarbon capture state, adsorbing carbon dioxide from the air. The mediacylinder may be moved into position between the doors of theregeneration structure by the hoop structure as described above. In someembodiments, the carbon capture cylinder may be translated laterallyinto position between the doors of the regeneration structure.

At block 1904, the regeneration structure seals the carbon capturecylinder for desorption, also referred to as regeneration. Theregeneration structure may close the doors on either side of the carboncapture cylinder and engages the door locks, thereby sealing the mediacylinder. In some embodiments, an inflatable seal is then engaged toform an airtight seal between the doors of the regeneration structureand the cylinder. In some alternative embodiments, the doors include agasket that expands to form an airtight seal when the pressure of thedoors compresses the gasket. At this point the regeneration structureand the cylinder combined may be referred to as a regeneration chamber.The term regeneration chamber will be used for the remainder of thediscussion below. In its sealed state, the regeneration chamber is nowin the carbon removal state, where carbon dioxide can be removed fromthe carbon capture cylinder.

At block 1906, the regeneration structure lowers the air pressure in theregeneration chamber, creating a vacuum. Pulling a vacuum in theregeneration chamber helps to create an anaerobic environment inside theregeneration chamber and may improve the useful life of the sorbentmaterial across multiple adsorption/desorption cycles. The air in theregeneration chamber may be vented by the vacuum pump into theatmosphere. The air pressure within the regeneration chamber may beabout 0 bar to about 0.5 bar, though larger and smaller values arecontemplated. In some embodiments, the air pressure may be about 0.2bar.

At block 1908, the regeneration structure flushes the regenerationchamber with water to further help create an anaerobic environment. Thewater may purge any residual air within the sorbent media by displacingany residual air in the regeneration chamber with the water. The watermay be heated to aid in pre-heating the regeneration chamber. The watermay be heated about 30° C. to about 70° C., though larger and smallervalues are contemplated. In some embodiments, the water may be heated toabout 40° C. In some embodiments, the regeneration chamber may first befilled by suction, as the regeneration chamber pressure equilibrates tothe water supply line pressure of around 1 bar. Subsequent pumping ofwater may be needed to displace any residual air from the regenerationchamber, which may be vented to atmosphere.

At block 1910, the regeneration structure heats the regenerationchamber. The regeneration structure may use steam to further heat theregeneration chamber. Steam is introduced at one end of the regenerationchamber and extracted at the opposite end of the regeneration chamberalong with carbon dioxide. The heat and steam desorb carbon dioxide fromthe sorbent material. Steam and carbon dioxide are extracted from theregeneration chamber and transported by pipes to the centralized balanceof plant for processing.

At block 1912, the regeneration structure lowers the air pressure in theregeneration chamber by creating a vacuum to further desorb carbondioxide from the sorbent material. The pressure within the regenerationchamber during method 1912 may be about 0 bar to about 0.5 bar, thoughlarger and smaller values are contemplated. In some embodiments, thepressure may be about 0.2 bar. Steam and carbon dioxide are extractedfrom the regeneration chamber by the vacuum pump and transported bypipes to the centralized balance of plant. Creating a vacuum within theregeneration chamber results in an isenthalpic expansion of the steamwhich may serve to cool the regeneration chamber and the adsorbentporous media.

At block 1914, the centralized balance of plant separates the carbondioxide from the steam. As the carbon dioxide laden steam leaves theregeneration chamber, either directly or via the vacuum pump, thecentralized balance of plant condenses the steam to liquid water andextracts the desorbed carbon dioxide. In some examples, the extractedcarbon dioxide is pure carbon dioxide. The centralized balance of plantmay use cooling pipes to condense the steam. The centralized balance ofplant may include a condenser, collection pipes, pumps, liquid traps,and glycol dehydration units for treating and compressing the carbondioxide for transport via pipeline for subsequent utilization orgeologic sequestration.

At block 1916, the regeneration structure fills the regeneration chamberwith water or possibly another solvent. The term water when used in theremainder of the discussion that references FIG. 19A means water orsolvent or any alternating sequential use thereof. The water may becooled to a temperature of about 0° C. to about 10° C., though largerand smaller values are contemplated. In some embodiments the water maybe cooled to about 5° C. Flushing the still warm regeneration chamberwith water may produce steam as the cold water contacts the warm sorbentmartial. The steam may desorb and further evacuate residual carbondioxide from the sorbent media. The steam and desorbed carbon dioxidemay be extracted from the regeneration chamber in a manner as discussedabove with respect to method 1914. The regeneration structure maycontinue filling the regeneration chamber with cold water until theregeneration chamber is filled.

At block 1918, the regeneration structure pressurizes the regenerationchamber. The regeneration chamber may be pressurized to a pressure ofabout 8 bar to about 12 bar, though larger and smaller values arecontemplated. In some embodiments, the regeneration chamber may bepressurized to about 10 bar.

At block 1920, the regeneration structure vibrates the regenerationchamber. The vibration may induce solubility of residual carbon dioxideinto the water. In various embodiments, the regeneration structure mayvibrate the regeneration chamber continuously. Depending upon thesettings, the regeneration structure may vibrate the regenerationchamber either continuously or for specific intervals over a period oftime about 1 minute to about 5 minutes, though larger and smaller valuesare contemplated. In some embodiments, the regeneration station mayvibrate the regeneration chamber over a 3 minute time period. In someembodiments, the regeneration structure may vibrate the regenerationchamber in pulses for a period of time about 5 seconds to about 30seconds every minute. In some embodiments, the regeneration structuremay pulse vibrate the regeneration chamber for 5 seconds four times aminute.

At block 1922, additional pressurized water may be used to displace thecarbonated water out of the regeneration chamber for processing at thecentralized balance of plant. The water used to flush the regenerationchamber may be chilled to a temperature about 0° C. to about 10° C.,though larger and smaller values are contemplated. In some embodiments,the water may be cooled to about 5° C.

At block 1924, after approximately one pore volume of water (i.e.,defined as the volume of the regeneration chamber less the bulk volumeof the adsorbent porous media bulk plus the adsorbent porous media porevolume), more or less, is injected into regeneration chamber and onepore volume, more or less, of carbonated water is removed from theregeneration chamber, the water supply line to regeneration chamber maybe closed and the regeneration chamber may be allowed to depressurizeinto the centralized balance of plant. Adsorption of carbon dioxide maybe enhanced by flowing chilled water and lowering the temperature of thesorbent material when it is subsequently returned to carbon capturemode. Sorbent material resiliency may also be enhanced by flowingchilled water and lowering the temperature of the sorbent materialbefore exposing the sorbent material to oxygen in the air.

At block 1926, the regeneration structure unseals the regenerationchamber. The lock mechanisms are released and the doors are removed fromthe media cylinder. In so doing, the regeneration chamber is convertedback to a carbon capture cylinder. The now cooled carbon capturecylinder is ready to capture more carbon dioxide. The carbon capturecylinder may then be moved, making room for another carbon capturecylinder to be received by the regeneration structure. When introducedback to air flow, the regenerated and wet carbon capture cylinder mayfurther enhance the adsorption of carbon dioxide as a result ofevaporative cooling of air flow through the sorbent media and residualwater that is trapped in the sorbent material.

With reference to FIG. 19B, a flow diagram for releasing, or desorbing,carbon dioxide from the sorbent material according to some embodimentsof the present disclosure is illustrated. In an embodiment, method 1950may be implemented by a first regeneration station that shares aregeneration region with a second regeneration station as describedabove. It is understood that additional steps can be provided before,and after the steps of method 1950, and that some of the steps describedcan be replaced or eliminated for other embodiments of the method 1950.According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the totalamount of time needed to perform the method 1950 may be about 10 minutesto about 50 minutes, though larger and smaller values are contemplated.In some embodiments, the method 1950 may be completed in about 20minutes. The regeneration cycles of the first and second regenerationstations may be offset in time to take advantage of the sharedregeneration region.

At block 1952, the regeneration structure receives a carbon capturecylinder, similar to block 1902.

At block 1954, the regeneration structure seals the carbon capturecylinder for desorption, similar to block 1904.

At block 1956, the regeneration structure lowers the air pressure in theregeneration chamber, creating a vacuum, similar to block 1906.

At block 1958, the regeneration structure flushes the regenerationchamber with water to further help create an anaerobic environment,similar to block 1908.

At block 1959, the regeneration chamber is placed in pressurecommunication with a regeneration chamber at a second regenerationstation that has completed method 1960 and a vacuum is pulled on thefirst regeneration chamber to transfer heat from the second regenerationchamber to preheat the regeneration chamber at the first regenerationstation. The regeneration chamber is isolated and removed from pressurecommunication with the regeneration chamber at a second regenerationstation.

At block 1960, the regeneration structure heats the regenerationchamber, similar to block 1910.

At block 1961, the regeneration chamber is placed in pressurecommunication with a regeneration chamber at a second regenerationstation that has completed method 1958.

At block 1962, the regeneration structure at the second regenerationstation lowers the air pressure in a regeneration chamber at the secondregeneration station to indirectly create a vacuum in the regenerationchamber at the first regeneration station and transfer heat away from itand to a regeneration chamber at the second regeneration station, tofurther desorb carbon dioxide from the sorbent material in theregeneration chamber at the first regeneration station, similar to block1912. The regeneration chamber is isolated and removed from pressurecommunication with the regeneration chamber at a second regenerationstation.

At block 1964, the centralized balance of plant separates the carbondioxide from the steam, similar to block 1914.

At block 1966, the regeneration structure fills the regeneration chamberwith water or possibly another solvent, similar to block 1916. The termwater when used in the remainder of the discussion that references FIG.19B means water or solvent or any alternating sequential use thereof.

At block 1968, the regeneration structure pressurizes the regenerationchamber, similar to block 1918.

At block 1970, the regeneration structure vibrates the regenerationchamber, similar to block 1920.

At block 1972, additional pressurized water may be used to displace thecarbonated water out of the regeneration chamber for processing at thecentralized balance of plant, similar to block 1922.

At block 1974, after approximately one pore volume of water (i.e.,defined as the volume of the regeneration chamber less the bulk volumeof the adsorbent porous media bulk plus the adsorbent porous media porevolume), more or less, is injected into regeneration chamber and onepore volume, more or less, of carbonated water is removed from theregeneration chamber, the water supply line to regeneration chamberwould be closed and the regeneration chamber would be allowed todepressurize into the centralized balance of plant, similar to block1924.

At block 1976, the regeneration structure unseals the regenerationchamber, similar to block 1926.

Carbon Dioxide Sensors

With reference to FIGS. 20A-20B, depicted are cross sections of anexemplary DAC structure with locations for upstream and downstreamcarbon dioxide sensors for calculating total carbon dioxide adsorbed bythe adsorbent material. The method relies on mass conservationprinciples and data on the amount of carbon dioxide concentration levelsupstream and downstream of a sorbent holding apparatus 2006. FIG. 20Adepicts an exterior view of a DAC structure, such as DAC structure 100,and the location of upstream carbon dioxide sensors. DAC structure 2000includes carbon capture vessels 2002, fan stacks 2004 and sorbentholding apparatuses 2006. FIG. 20B depicts a side view of the DACstructure including locations of downstream carbon dioxide sensors.Sensors 2008 are placed at multiple points around DAC structure 2000including exterior to the exterior facing and interior facing sides ofthe sorbent holding apparatuses 2006.

One or more sensors 2008 are positioned at upstream sensor positions2010A-2010D, as illustrated in FIG. 20A. Sensors 2008 may detect anamount of carbon dioxide advected by bulk air flow prior to the airentering the sorbent holding apparatus 2006. The detected amount ofcarbon dioxide may be stored and compared to the detected amount ofcarbon dioxide detected at downstream locations.

One or more sensors 2008 are positioned at downstream sensor positions2012A-2012D. Sensors 2008 positioned at downstream sensor location2012A-2012D may detect an amount of carbon dioxide advected by bulk airflow as the air exits the sorbent holding apparatus 2006. The amount ofcarbon dioxide in the air downstream of the sorbent holding apparatus2006 should be less than the amount of carbon dioxide in the airupstream of the sorbent holding apparatus 2006.

A difference in the amount of carbon dioxide measured across a carboncapture vessel 2002 may be used to infer, or calculate, the amount ofcarbon dioxide adsorbed by the sorbent materials in a carbon capturevessel 2002 on a real time basis across from each carbon capture vessel2002.

Powering the DAC Structure

A contractual or behind the meter green power supply is preferred toreduce the carbon footprint of the electrical load of the DAC structure.Process waste heat from an industrial source is also preferred to reducethe carbon footprint of the thermal load used to regenerate the sorbentmaterial.

Alternatively, or in addition, a behind-the-meter, on-site, natural gasfired power plant with a thermal heat recovery unit is preferred forgenerating the electricity used by the DAC structure and suppling aportion of the thermal load used by the regeneration process. On-site,natural gas fired boilers may be used to supplement and supply any unmetthermal load. Alternatively, or in addition, a grid power supply may beused to power the direct air capture (DAC) structure together withon-site natural gas fired boilers to satisfy thermal load. Regardless,net carbon capture from the DAC structured would be reduced by thedirect and indirect carbon emissions from these power and thermal energysupply options.

As discussed above, exhaust from any on-site combustion of natural gasmay be collected and distributed through the infinity shield 1822 toincrease the carbon dioxide concentration of the air upstream of thefans, improving process economics. Co-locating DAC structures and otheropportunities to recover and use thermal heat, such as waste heat fromcarbon dioxide compression, may also maximize the thermal efficiency ofthe chosen power and thermal supply option.

Although various embodiments of the claimed subject matter have beendescribed above with a certain degree of particularity, or withreference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in theart could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the claimed subject matter. Stillother embodiments are contemplated. It is intended that all mattercontained in the above description and shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particularembodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be madewithout departing from the basic elements of the subject matter asdefined in the following claims.

The present disclosure is directed to an atmospheric carbon dioxideremoval system that includes a plurality of carbon capture containersforming an enclosed space. Each carbon capture container has anoutwardly facing side and an inwardly facing side with the inwardlyfacing side facing the enclosed space. The atmospheric carbon dioxideremoval system further includes a plurality of fans disposed adjacentthe plurality of carbon capture containers with the plurality of fansbeing arranged to move air through the plurality of carbon capturecontainers in a first direction from the outwardly facing side into theenclosed space. The plurality of carbon capture containers contains aplurality of sorbent material sub containers configured to receive airflowing in the first direction, to redirect the air through the sorbentmaterial in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and toreturn the air flowing to the first direction from the outwardly facingside into the enclosed space. An air diverter is disposed within theenclosed space that is structurally configured to receive the airflowing in the first direction and redirect the air to flow in a seconddirection that is angled upwardly from the first direction. A velocitystack is disposed on top of the enclosed space and configured toaccelerate the flow of the air in the second direction.

In some embodiments, the atmospheric carbon dioxide removal system mayfurther include a plurality of regeneration structures disposed adjacentthe plurality of carbon capture containers. The carbon capturecontainers may be configured to remove carbon dioxide from the air. Theregeneration structures may be configured to remove the carbon dioxidefrom the carbon capture containers. In some embodiments, the pluralityof carbon capture containers includes carbon capture containers disposedon top of other carbon capture containers to form a stack of carboncapture containers. The stack of carbon capture containers has a firstheight, the velocity stack has a second height, and the second height isgreater than the first height. In some embodiments, the plurality ofcarbon capture containers contains a sorbent material designed to removecarbon dioxide from the air.

In some embodiments, the velocity stack has a bottom opening with afirst diameter and a top opening with a second diameter that is smallerthan the first diameter. In some embodiments, the air diverter has abase with a first cross-sectional width and a top with a secondcross-sectional width than is smaller than the first cross-sectionalwidth.

The present disclosure is further directed to an atmospheric carbondioxide removal system that includes a first support structure arranged,disposed, and configured to support a plurality of fans, a secondsupport structure and a hoop structure arranged to hold a plurality ofcarbon capture containers that is disposed between the first supportstructure and the second support structure. The hoop structure mayrotate relative to the first support structure driven by one or moremotors that are disposed at a base of the hoop structure such that theone or more motors convey the hoop structure relative to the firstsupport structure.

In some embodiments, a plurality of rollers may be disposed on the firstsupport structure and second support structure to guide the hoopstructure as it rotates relative to the first support structure. In someembodiments, a plurality of rollers may be disposed on a bottom surfaceof the hoop structure and contact a ground surface to reduce friction ofthe hoop structure as it rotates. In some embodiments, the plurality ofcarbon capture containers are supported by the hoop structure. Theplurality of fans may be disposed to blow air through the carbon capturecontainers. The first support structure may be disposed between theplurality of fans and the plurality of carbon capture containers.

In some embodiments, the atmospheric carbon dioxide removal system mayfurther include a plurality of regeneration structures arranged,disposed and configured on each side of the plurality of carbon capturecontainers. In some embodiments, the hoop structure conveys theplurality of carbon capture containers from a carbon capture state to acarbon removal state. The carbon capture state includes the plurality ofcarbon capture containers being adjacent to the plurality of fans. Thecarbon removal state includes the plurality of carbon capture containersbeing adjacent to the plurality of regeneration structures. In someembodiments, the plurality of carbon capture containers is a firstplurality of carbon capture containers and the atmospheric carbondioxide removal system further includes a second plurality of carboncapture containers supported by the hoop structure. The second pluralityof carbon capture containers may be in the carbon capture state when thefirst plurality of carbon capture containers are in the carbon removalstate.

The present disclosure is further directed to a carbon capture containerthat includes a sorbent material holding apparatus that has a sidewalland a first opening on a first side of the sorbent material holdingapparatus and a second opening on an opposing second side of the sorbentmaterial holding apparatus. The carbon capture container furtherincludes a frame that supports the sorbent material holding apparatus, afirst grating covering the first opening, and a second grating coveringthe second opening. In some embodiments, the carbon capture containermay further include at least one locking point disposed on an exteriorsurface of the sorbent material holding apparatus. In some embodiments,the sorbent material holding apparatus is a cylinder having a diameter,wherein the diameter is equal to a height of the frame. In someembodiments, the sorbent material holding apparatus may contain aplurality of sorbent material sub containers configured to receive airflowing in the first direction, to redirect the air through the sorbentmaterial in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and toreturn the air flowing to the first direction from the outwardly facingside into the enclosed space. In some embodiments, the sorbent materialsub containers is a cylinder having a diameter, wherein the diameter issmaller than the apparatus diameter. In some embodiments, the sorbentmaterial holding apparatus or sorbent material sub containers may befilled with a sorbent material having a first diameter. The firstgrating may include openings having a second diameter so that the seconddiameter is smaller than the first diameter. In some embodiments, thesorbent material holding apparatus may be constructed of 316 stainlesssteel.

The present disclosure is further directed to a carbon dioxide removalsystem that includes a carbon capture vessel, a carbon removalapparatus, and an apparatus that conveys the carbon capture apparatusfrom a first position to a second position. The carbon capture apparatusmay be inside the carbon removal apparatus when in the first position.The carbon capture apparatus is disposed outside of the carbon removalapparatus when in the second position. The carbon removal apparatusconverts the carbon capture apparatus into a pressure vessel thatremoves carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, the carbon removalapparatus further includes a first door and a second door. When in thefirst position the carbon capture apparatus may be disposed between thefirst door and the second door. When in the second position the carboncapture apparatus may be disposed laterally from the first door and thesecond door.

In some embodiments, the carbon capture apparatus includes a firstopening at a first end and a second opening at an opposing second end.In some embodiments, the carbon removal apparatus seals the firstopening and the second opening to convert the carbon capture apparatusinto the pressure vessel. In some embodiments, a motor is configured toincrease and decrease the pressure inside the pressure vessel. In someembodiments, water pipes deliver water to the pressure vessel and drainpipes that remove water from the pressure vessel. In some embodiments,steam pipes that deliver steam to the pressure vessel and condensationpipes extract and condense the steam into water and extract carbondioxide. In some embodiments, a motor that opens and closes the carbonremoval apparatus and tracks that convey the carbon removal apparatus asit opens and closes.

The present disclosure is further directed to a method of laterallydisplacing a carbon capture vessel containing a sorbent material toalign with doors for the carbon capture vessel. Then sealing the carboncapture vessel by closing the doors to form a regeneration chamber. Thenperforming a carbon dioxide extraction process. Then, unsealing theregeneration chamber to thereby convert it to a carbon capture cylinder.Finally, laterally displacing the carbon capture cylinder to align withairflow from a fan.

In some embodiments, the method further includes performing, aftersealing the carbon capture vessel, a first pressure reducing processinside the regeneration chamber to evacuate air. Followed by, performinga first flushing process including flushing the regeneration chamberwith water. Next, performing a heating process to increase a temperatureof the regeneration chamber to desorb carbon dioxide from the sorbentmaterial. Followed by a second pressure reducing process inside theregeneration chamber to further desorb carbon dioxide from the sorbentmaterial. Then, filling the regeneration chamber with water thatproduces steam when it contacts the heated sorbent material. Thenperforming a pressurizing and vibration process. Finally, performing athird pressure reducing process to the regeneration chamber, wherein thepressure is reduced to about 1 bar.

In some embodiments, the carbon capture vessel has an opening on a firstside and an opening on an opposing second side so that sealing thecarbon capture vessel includes sealing the opening on the first side andthe opening on the second side. The sealing may be performed by closingone or more doors. In some embodiments, the first pressure reducingprocess lowers an air pressure inside the regeneration chamber to apressure of about 0 bar to about 0.5 bar. In some embodiments, thesecond pressure reducing process lowers an air pressure inside theregeneration chamber to a pressure of about 0 bar to about 0.5 bar Insome embodiments, the method further includes placing a secondregeneration chamber in pressure communication with a first regenerationchamber so that the second regeneration chamber transfers heat from thefirst regeneration chamber. In some embodiments, the heating processincludes flowing steam through the regeneration chamber.

In some embodiments, the carbon dioxide extraction process includesflowing steam through the regeneration chamber, removing the steam fromthe regeneration chamber, and condensing the steam to form liquid waterand pure carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, after performing theheating process, performing the second pressure reducing process insidethe regeneration chamber. In some embodiments, filling the regenerationchamber with water includes cooling the water to a temperature of about0° C. to about 10° C. In some embodiments, the first pressurizingprocess increases the pressure of the regeneration chamber to a pressureof about 8 bar to about 12 bar. In some embodiments, after performingthe first pressurizing process, vibrating the regeneration chamber overa time period of about 1 minute to about 5 minutes. In some embodiments,the vibrating includes continuously vibrating the regeneration chamberduring the time period. In some embodiments, the vibrating includesvibrating the regeneration chamber over a period of about 5 seconds toabout 30 seconds during each minute of the time period. In someembodiments, the third pressure reducing process further includesremoving the water from the regeneration chamber and flushing theregeneration chamber with water cooled to a temperature of about 0° C.to about 10° C.

The present disclosure is further directed to an atmospheric carbondioxide removal system that includes a plurality of carbon capturecontainers having an outwardly facing side and an inwardly facing side,the inwardly facing side facing an enclosed space. Further including, aplurality of fans disposed adjacent the plurality of carbon capturecontainers, the plurality of fans being arranged to move air through theplurality of carbon capture containers in a first direction from theoutwardly facing side into the enclosed space. Further including aplurality of sorbent material sub containers arranged within theplurality of carbon capture containers to receive air flowing in thefirst direction, to redirect the air through the sorbent material in asecond direction orthogonal to the first direction, and to return theair flowing to the first direction from the outwardly facing side intothe enclosed space. And further including an air diverter that isdisposed within the enclosed spaced that is structurally configured toreceive the air flowing in the first direction and redirect the air toflow in a second direction angled upwardly from the first direction.

In some embodiments, the atmospheric carbon dioxide removal systemfurther includes a plurality of regeneration structures disposedadjacent the plurality of carbon capture containers and adjacent theplurality of fans. The carbon capture containers remove carbon dioxidefrom the air and the regeneration structures remove the carbon dioxidefrom the carbon capture containers. In some embodiments, the pluralityof carbon capture containers is a first plurality of carbon capturecontainers and the atmospheric carbon dioxide removal system furtherincludes a second plurality of carbon capture containers disposed on topof the first plurality of carbon capture containers to form a stack ofcarbon capture containers.

In some embodiments, the atmospheric carbon dioxide removal systemfurther includes a velocity stack disposed over the enclosed space. Thestack of carbon capture containers has a first height and the velocitystack has a second height that is greater than the first height. In someembodiments, the plurality of carbon capture containers contains asorbent material designed to remove carbon dioxide from the air. In someembodiments, the air diverter has a base and a top. The base has a firstcross-sectional width and the top has a second cross-sectional widththat is smaller than the first cross-sectional width. In someembodiments, the air diverter is formed of a flexible material and maybe adjusted in height.

The present disclosure is further directed to an atmospheric carbondioxide removal system that includes a plurality of carbon capturecontainers having an outwardly facing side and an inwardly facing side,the inwardly facing side facing an enclosed space. A plurality of fansdisposed adjacent the plurality of carbon capture containers, theplurality of fans being arranged to move air through the plurality ofcarbon capture containers in a first direction from the outwardly facingside into the enclosed space. Further including a plurality of sorbentmaterial sub containers arranged within the plurality of carbon capturecontainers to receive air flowing in the first direction, to redirectthe air through the sorbent material in a second direction orthogonal tothe first direction, and to return the air flowing to the firstdirection from the outwardly facing side into the enclosed space.Further including a velocity stack disposed on top of the enclosed spacethat accelerates the flow of the air in a second direction. In someembodiments, the atmospheric carbon dioxide removal system furtherincludes a plurality of regeneration structures disposed adjacent theplurality of carbon capture containers and adjacent the plurality offans. The carbon capture containers remove carbon dioxide from the airthat is flowing in the first direction. The regeneration structuresremove the carbon dioxide from the carbon capture containers.

In some embodiments, the plurality of carbon capture containers is afirst plurality of carbon capture containers and the atmospheric carbondioxide removal system further includes a second plurality of carboncapture containers disposed on top of the first plurality of carboncapture containers to form a stack of carbon capture containers. In someembodiments, the stack of carbon capture containers has a first heightand the velocity stack has a second height that is greater than thefirst height. In some embodiments, the plurality of carbon capturecontainers contains a sorbent material designed to remove carbon dioxidefrom the air. In some embodiments, the velocity stack has a bottomopening and a top opening. The bottom opening has a first diameter andthe top opening has a second diameter that is smaller than the firstdiameter. In some embodiments, the atmospheric carbon dioxide removalsystem further includes an air diverter in the enclosed space. The airdiverter may have a base and a top, with the base having a firstcross-sectional width and the top having a second cross-sectional widthsmaller than the first cross-sectional width.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: laterally displacing acarbon capture vessel containing a sorbent material to align with doorsfor the carbon capture vessel; sealing the carbon capture vessel byclosing the doors to form a regeneration chamber; performing a carbondioxide extraction process; unsealing the regeneration chamber tothereby convert the regeneration chamber back into the carbon capturevessel; and laterally displacing the carbon capture vessel to align withairflow from a fan.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the carbon dioxideextraction process comprises: performing, after sealing the carboncapture vessel, a first pressure reducing process inside theregeneration chamber; performing a first flushing process includingflushing the regeneration chamber with water; performing a heatingprocess to increase a temperature of the regeneration chamber; fillingthe regeneration chamber with water, wherein the water produces steamwhen it contacts heated sorbent material, and wherein the steam desorbscarbon dioxide from the sorbent material; performing a pressurizingprocess; and performing a second pressure reducing process to theregeneration chamber, wherein the pressure is reduced to about 1 bar. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein the carbon capture vessel has an openingon a first side and an opening on an opposing second side, and whereinsealing the carbon capture vessel includes sealing the opening on thefirst side and the opening on the second side by closing the doors. 4.The method of claim 2, wherein the first pressure reducing processlowers an air pressure inside the regeneration chamber to a pressure ofabout 0 bar to about 0.5 bar.
 5. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising: placing the regeneration chamber, the regeneration chamberbeing a first regeneration chamber, in pressure communication with asecond regeneration chamber, wherein the first regeneration chambertransfers heat to the second regeneration chamber.
 6. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the heating process includes flowing steam through theregeneration chamber.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the carbondioxide extraction process includes flowing steam through theregeneration chamber, removing the steam from the regeneration chamber,and condensing the steam to form liquid water and pure carbon dioxide.8. The method of claim 2, further comprising: after performing thesecond pressure reducing process, performing a third pressure reducingprocess inside the regeneration chamber.
 9. The method of claim 2,wherein the filling the regeneration chamber with water includes coolingthe water to a temperature of 0° C. to about 10° C.
 10. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the pressurizing process increases the pressure of theregeneration chamber to a pressure of about 8 bar to about 12 bar. 11.The method of claim 2, further comprising: after performing thepressurizing process, vibrating the regeneration chamber over avibration period of about 1 minute to about 5 minutes.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the vibrating includes continuously vibrating theregeneration chamber during the vibration period.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the vibrating includes vibrating the regenerationchamber in pulses, wherein each pulse includes vibrating theregeneration chamber over a period of about 5 seconds to about 30seconds during each minute of the vibration period.
 14. The method ofclaim 2, where the second pressure reducing process further includesremoving the water from the regeneration chamber and flushing theregeneration chamber with water cooled to a temperature of 0° C. toabout 10° C.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the carbon capturevessel is a carbon capture cylinder.